take shape
idiomatic phrase
: to assume a definite or distinctive form : to develop and become apparent or established
The plan is finally taking shape.
Edison's tireless work habits took shape during his childhood …—
Paul Gray
Paul GrayThe proto-planetary fragments crashed together, coalesced by gravity, and crashed again into other fragments, until they gradually took shape as the planets we know today.—M. Mitchell Waldrop
M. Mitchell Waldrop… the first half of the century, before the modern medical system took shape.—Geoffrey Cowley
Geoffrey CowleyExamples of take shape in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Long before the case against him took shape, Nick spoke publicly about a life marked by instability and drug addiction.
—Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Opus Dei was firmly on the side of the continent’s moneyed élites, and its relationship with John Paul took shape as one of mutual loyalty.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards kicked off Saturday night (January 4) at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, bringing together film and television’s biggest contenders as awards season continues to take shape.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 5 Jan. 2026
Two men inhabited their bodies with confidence as their relationship took shape.
—Jennifer Obel, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take shape
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Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Opus Dei was firmly on the side of the continent’s moneyed élites, and its relationship with John Paul took shape as one of mutual loyalty.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards kicked off Saturday night (January 4) at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, bringing together film and television’s biggest contenders as awards season continues to take shape.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 5 Jan. 2026
Two men inhabited their bodies with confidence as their relationship took shape.
—Jennifer Obel, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for take shape
Cite this Entry
“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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